Nitiayog 3 year document & Eco.Survey 2016-17 v2. Both highlighted the problems behind this phenomenon, and how to address it. And I had covered it in my three parts summary article series.

GSM4-2014: “All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.”

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.

Essay-list: Topic wise last 25 years (1993-2017)

Each year, along with essay paper, I also upload topicwise compilation of all essays asked since 1993. However, this time, I’ve further refined the internal classification of the topics. Here it goes:

1) India: Democracy, administration, Society, culture

1.1India Since Independence

Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013

In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012

Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015

Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000

Whither Indian democracy? -1995

How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003

What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997

What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001

My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993

1.2Federalism, Decentralization

Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017

Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016

Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016

Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011

Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007

Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004

Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007

He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993

4.2Knowledge

There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003

Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995

4.3Compassion

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017

Compassion is the basic of all morality would -1993

Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015

Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013

4.4Truth

Truth is lived, not taught -1996

When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995

Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002

4.5Youth, Discipline

Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008

Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994

If youth knew, if age could. -2002

Youth culture today. -1999

Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014

4.6Towards excellence

Quick but steady wins the race. -2015

Useless life is an early death. -1994

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995

The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002

The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5) Women empowerment

[email protected] Politics

Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997

Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006

The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995

[email protected] / Quote type

If women ruled the world -2005

The hand that rocks the cradle -2005

5.3Empowerment overall

Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017

If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016

Whither women’s emancipation? -2004

Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001

Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999

5.4Compared to men

Woman is god’s best creation. -1998

Men have failed: let women take over. -1993

Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6) International issues, Internal Security

6.1Globalization

Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010

Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994

‘ globalization’ vs. ‘ nationalism’ -2009

National identity and patriotism -2008

Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004

The masks of new imperialism. -2003

As civilization advances culture declines. -2003

The implications of globalization for India. -2000

My vision of an ideal world order. -2001

India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998

The world of the twenty-first century. -1998

Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010

6.2International Org./ Bilateral

Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017

Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996

The global order: political and economic -1993

India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004

Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006

6.3Security

Good fences make good neighbours -2009

Terrorism and world peace -2005

True religion cannot be misused. -1997

In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011

Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007

Are we a ‘soft ’ state ? -2009

7) Science-Technology

7.1Science and Religion

Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003

Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012

7.2Science and Education

Modern technological education and human values. -2002

Value-based science and education. -1999

The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001

7.3Computer and internet

‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017

Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016

Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006

The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000

Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993

7.4Sci-Tech: others

Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015

Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013

The modern doctor and his patients. -1997

The lure of space. -2004

visit Mrunal.org/download for more papers.

Instructions

Section-A

Section-B

Essay-hints / Points to Consider

#1: Literature and humane society

#5: Modern Educator’s role

Instructions

Write two eassys, choosing one from each of the following sections A and B in about 1000-1200 words each (2 x 125 = 250 marks)

Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.

Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than authorized one.

Section-B

5) The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts. आधुनिक शिक्षक का कार्य जंगलों की कटौती नहीं, परन्तु रेगिस्तान की सिंचाई करना है.(Quote: C.S.Lewis, Context: New Education Policy; and since last two mains continuously topics related to youth, education, innovation.)

6) The only place where ‘success’ comes before ‘work’ is dictionary. केवल (अंग्रेजी) शब्दकोश ही ऐसी जगह है, जहां ‘सफलता’ ‘काम” से पहले आती है.(Context: Since last two Mains at least one motivational quote related to work, management etc.)

8) Root cause of our social and national degradation is our treatment of women. महिलाओ के प्रति हमारा व्यवहार हमारी सामाजिक और राष्ट्रीय गिरावट का मूल कारण है.(Quote: Swami Vivekanand, Context: Daily news, Movie “Pink”; since last 3 Mains, no Essay on women, so it might end up as backbreaking moveTM to Current-Affairs as in CSAT-2016!)

Essay-hints / Points to Consider

Due to paucity of time, I’m unable to prepare hints/brainstorm points for all eight essays but you’re most of welcome to put them in the comment section. The good ones will be added back in this article.

#1: Literature and humane society

How can literature (reading/writing) as a ‘hobby’ make a person ‘humanist’?

Are there any age-appropriate novels/ poems that can help teenagers to develop a ‘humane’ outlook?

Harry Potter (J.K.Rowling)

Racial struggle between pure-blood wizards vs. others.

Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

Post-apocalyptic nation where “Union” government itself organizes reality show cum ‘gladiator’ type matches among 12 states. Protagonist is a girl from coal-mining area who has seen poverty, hunger and child labour throughout her life, and winning such match would help her escape from all of it.

Charlie and Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket)

plot similar to hunger games- young boy wants to win a lottery based competition to help his poor family.

Caution

Shouldn’t attempt this essay, if your knowledge of literature is confined to above stated Hollywood blockbusters (or to the titles prescribed in your literature optional subject). You must narrate classical titles as well- to connect with the uncle-ji, babu-ji demography of examiners!

To kill a mocking bird (Harper Lee):

Through the eyes of Scout Finch, you learn about her father Atticus Finch, an attorney who tries to defend the innocence of a black man unjustly accused of rape in a racially prejudiced town in USA of 1930s.

Similarly

Animal farm,1984, Diary of a young girl, Les Miserable, Tale of Two cities; Charlotte’s Web, Fahrenheit 451, Old man and the sea; Plays of Shakespeare; Short stories of Tagore, Premchand et al.

Caution

When you cite example of a novel- it should not merely narrate the plot- but rather highlight the values that will imbibe humane outlook in its reader.

Doesn’t school syllabus already have poems, short stories of Tagore, Prem-chand et al? Has it cultivated the appreciation of literature among teens? or students merely merely mugging up points to pass exam?

Caution

Focus your Essay around how literature helps making a person humane. Don’t digress too much bashing the present education system or the ills/intolerance in the society or how students love movies and video games more.

In highschool, apart from prescribing supplementary reading list, what else can be done to make teenagers like literature? What are the pros and cons of just showing the hollywood / Bollywood movies based on novels?

Churchill won Nobel for literature (1953) for his six volume history on 2nd world war. Vajpayee- a poet and a humane prime minister. Do you know any other examples of famous personalities with fondness for literature?

Isn’t it too ‘extreme’ to say there is no other way to develop humane society than literature? Shouldn’t we give equal emphasis to NCC, NSS, Sports, Painting, Drama etc.?

Isn’t it too ‘extreme’ to believe that literature will automatically lead to humane society? The French are known as connoisseurs and patrons of art and literature, yet (some/many of them) demanding ban on ‘burkini’!

Caution

Essay should end on positive note/ conclusion- rather than focusing mainly that it’s too extreme to say/believe xyz!

Isn’t it desirable to have “uniform” quality in certain trades such as accountancy and civil engineering?

Cutting jungle means cutting over grown vegetation to make the land clean, barren, naked and exposed. Then, isn’t this required sometimes? e.g. Narration of (original) history – the religious persecutions, massacres and atrocities.

Will teacher fortify the youth mind against creativity, emotions and empathy. Will student become “all head, no heart”?

Student trained for uniformity and order – Will he fight against ill-practices by society and government?

Can we blame teachers of Nazi soldiers and ISIS terrorists?

Theme: Irrigating desert:

Desert irrigation (without subsequent farming or plantation) may lead to growth of any variety of plants. Not necessarily that all plants will be uniform, not necessarily that all plants will be of economic value. What will happen If educator teaches in this style?

Moisture reduces dryness. Will students become less apathetic and cynical towards life?

Will it encourage students to take of liberal arts and humanities subjects after highschool? Is this desirable for current economy?

If educator gives only water (=ideas?), then student’s mind (=desert?) will grow whatever seeds fall from self-reflection, parents, society, movies, internet? Is this desirable? At what stage- school or college?

What safeguards should the teacher take while irrigating the desert – to ensure his students…